Turkey says 67 killed in police custody

Turkey's interior minister has revealed a total of 67 people were killed in police custody in the past 6 years.

Turkey's interior minister has revealed a total of 67 people were killed in police custody in the past 6 years.

Turkey, vying for European Union membership, has carried out a series of reforms to improve democracy and human rights.

Human rights groups say although Turkey has taken positive steps, torture is still on the rise and culprits are rarely brought to justice.

Interior Minister Mr Rustu Kazim Yucelen said 112 security officials have been prosecuted in connection with the 67 deaths. Nine were convicted, 31 were acquitted, 62 are on trial, 6 had charges against them dropped, and 4 were given suspended sentences.

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"We are working to reduce human rights abuses to a minimum but despite this, isolated incidents occur and investigations against those responsible are carried out," the minister said.